Article of manufacture for reinforcing a ceiling electrical box

ABSTRACT

The claimed inventions relate generally to electrical boxes that may be installed to a ceiling, and more particularly to electrical boxes that incorporate a rigid member between the box top and side that provide resistance to a compressive force therebetween, providing structural support to the box when the rigid member is secured to a structural framing member. Disclosed herein are brackets and other devices for reinforcing ceiling electrical boxes to structural members, such as trusses and joists, against the load of fixtures including ceiling fans and lighting fixtures. Also disclosed herein are ceiling electrical boxes having built-in reinforcement. Additionally disclosed herein, explicitly or implicitly, methods of using and installing those brackets, devices and boxes. Detailed information on various example embodiments of the inventions are provided in the Detailed Description below, and the inventions are defined by the appended claims.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/722,955 filed Nov. 26, 2003, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/484,912 filed Jul. 3, 2003, both of whichare hereby incorporated by reference in the entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS

Known in the art are electrical boxes intended to enclose wiring andconnectors, those boxes also optionally including mountings for securinga lighting fixture. Certain of those boxes are suitable for mountingoverhead just above a ceiling, attaching to a truss, joist or otherstructural support member. In a typical new installation metal or, morefrequently, plastic light-duty boxes are installed, those being the mostinexpensive type suitable for carrying a light-weight lighting fixture,for example a fixture housing a single medium-base bulb. It is often thecase that a homeowner will wish to later install a heavier fixture, suchas a ceiling fan or chandalier, to the originally installed electricalbox. Many homeowners are not aware of the unsuitability of theselight-weight boxes for those applications, and many install theseheavier fixtures improperly and dangerously without upgrading thesupport structure.

A ceiling fan, through normal operation, may create oscillatory stresseson the electrical box it is attached to. If attached to a light-dutybox, these forces may carry through the fan support to the electricalbox, which may cause the box to twist slightly on each oscillation. Overtime this motion may cause the nails, or other fasteners, used to securethe electrical box to move and/or loosen, which may lead to failure ofthe electrical box supporting structure. Additionally, if the boxstructure is not sufficiently rigid, forces may be transferred to thedrywall, or other material, of the ceiling. Now drywall, plaster,paneling and most other ceiling materials are not designed to carryloads. These materials may carry a load briefly, but over time cracksmay develop leading to an unpredictable failure of the material. If boththe electrical box supporting structure and the ceiling material fail,the result is a fixture falling at an unpredictable time, which can leadto property damage, personal injury and litigation against the makers ofthe ceiling fan, lighting fixture, electrical box manufacturer as wellas other involved parties.

In many areas earthquakes are a concern. A non-moving ceiling fixturemounted to a light-weight box may carry a load sufficiently well understatic conditions for many years. Earthquakes are unpredictable eventsthat may occur at any time, and in some locations with such severity asto cause large thrust and oscillatory motions on the lighting fixtureand electrical box. A homeowner may be completely unaware of adangerously supported fixture until a tremor causes it to fall. Thedangers of inadequately supported lighting fixtures thereforeencompasses more fixtures than ceiling fans.

Now there are several electrical box types which will support arelatively heavy load, of which several are represented in U.S. patents.A usual type, represented by U.S. Pat. No. 6,242,696, utilizes wingsattached to the side of the electrical box to attach to a structuralmember. This type requires installation prior to the installation of afinished ceiling to avoid damage thereto. Another type, represented byU.S. Pat. Nos. RE 38,120, 6,107,568, 6,191,362, 6,207,897 and 6,355,883,envisions a ceiling electrical box that attaches to an overheadstructural support member from underneath through the use of screws orother fasteners generally driven upward through the top of the box andinto the structural member. Those boxes either include a slot fittingthe support member, or are designed to fit in a space between thesupport member and the surface of the finished ceiling. All of thosedesigns have the disadvantage of reduced internal box volume, by whichthe number of electrical connections and wires is restricted over acommon side-mounted nailed electrical box. Another type, represented byU.S. Pat. Nos. RE 33,147, 6,098,945, 6,465,736, and 6,595,479, utilizesan extendable rod or other structure fittable between the space betweentwo joists or structural members. This type of electrical box, althoughavoiding impacts into the volume of the electrical box, carries a numberof disadvantages. First, the use of the rod introduces a substantiallever arm; the rod must therefore be fairly heavy to avoid bowing underthe fixture load. This type of box is typically constructed of steel orother metal, as the needed plastic supports would be very thick incomparison. These boxes tend are more complex and require more materialsand building steps to fabricate. The cost of this type of box also tendsto be much higher to the end user. A final type, represented in U.S.Pat. Nos. RE 34,603 and 6,100,469, utilizes fasteners through a metalelectrical box sidewall into the adjacent structural member. This typerelies on the strength of the sidewall to avoid the fastener headpulling through the sidewall material under load, and is thereforeunsuitable for plastic materials. Furthermore, this type relies on thebox structure to resist a downward force, which may place strain onwelds and joints. Additonally, fasteners driven in a substantiallyhorizontal direction limit the amount of driving force that can beapplied to the fastener and may make installation difficult withoutspecialized tools. And none of these box types provide a method ofupgrading a ceiling electrical box to carry additional load.

Thus, some of these boxes are relatively expensive to produce andinstall, while others may be installed only by creating new holes in aceiling or otherwise causing new damage that must be repaired. In themarket there is a general lack of products and methods that provide forupgrading of ceiling electrical boxes to support heavier loads. There istherefore a need for products which can create a box structure capableof supporting more than a light load which can be installed withoutcausing damage to an existing ceiling.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONS

The claimed inventions relate generally to electrical boxes that may beinstalled to a ceiling, and more particularly to electrical boxancillary devices, such as brackets and struts, that permit the carryingof heavy ceiling appliances such as ceiling fans and lighting fixtures.Disclosed herein are brackets and other devices for reinforcing ceilingelectrical boxes to structural members, such as trusses and joists,against the load of fixtures including ceiling fans and lightingfixtures. Also disclosed herein are ceiling electrical boxes havingbuilt-in reinforcement. Additionally disclosed herein, explicitly orimplicitly, methods of using and installing those brackets, devices andboxes. Detailed information on various example embodiments of theinventions are provided in the Detailed Description below, and theinventions are defined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C (herein after referred to as FIG. 1) show anexemplary reinforcement bracket.

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C show a four inch plastic electrical box with thebracket of FIG. 1 installed.

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C show a three inch plastic electrical box with thebracket of FIG. 1 installed.

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C show a three inch metallic electrical box with thebracket of FIG. 1 installed.

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C show an installation of two identical brackets intotwo types of electrical boxes.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D show an exemplary electrical box with built-inreinforcement.

FIG. 7 shows an alternate bracing electrical box with three flanges.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D show an exemplary electrical box having flangesand an integrated bracket.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show an alternate electrical box having reinforcement.

FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D and 10E show another exemplary electrical boxwith flanges and an insert molded reinforcement.

FIGS. 11A and 11B show another exemplary reinforced electrical box.

FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C show an alternate reinforcing bracket.

FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C show an additional alternate reinforcing bracket.

A discussion of several embodiments in accordance with the invention nowfollows.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein are several brackets useful for reinforcing electricalboxes installed adjacent to a structural member, such as a truss orjoist. Shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C (herein after FIG. 1) is an exampleof one particular reinforcment device in the form of a bracket designedfor two specific electrical box types, although it might be installed inothers. Bracket 11 a includes two largely planar portions, 12 a and 15a, connected by bend 17 a. Planar portion 12 a, in this example, formsan interface providing a mating to the top of an electrical box at theinside. The ends of planar portions 12 a and 15 a are shaped to form aninterface to the side of an electrical box at the inside, that interfacebeing shown at 13 a and 14 a. In this example, ends 13 a and 14 aprovide two interfaces for two specific electrical box types, as will bediscussed presently, one interface provided at 13 aa and 14 aa for asubstantially flat electrical box sidewall and another interface at 13ab and 14 ab for a screw boss, which are integral in many plasticelectrical ceiling boxes. Planar portion 15 a provides a strut-likeportion providing resistance to a compressive force applied between thetop and side interfaces. That strut-like portion functions to at leastpartially convert a downward force on the electrical box to a horizontalforce in the direction of the structural member. In bracket 11 a, twofastener features, in this example recesses, 16 aa and 16 ab (shown 16 ain FIG. 1 b) provide attachment points for screws. Recesses 16 aa and 16ab are oriented so that fasteners inserted therein may fasten thebracket 11 a through the electrical box sidewall and into an adjacentstructural member. In this example, recesses 16 aa and 16 ab areconfigured to align fasteners at approximately 60 degrees from thevertical for an electrical box mounted to a vertical structural membersurface. This permits the fasteners to be driven into the structuralmember with a single tool, such as an ordinary screwdriver or hammer,through many electrical box openings. It is preferred that this angleand the position of any fastener features be set so as to permit ease ofaccess to the fasteners using ordinary tools, although other angles orpositions may be chosen without departing from the larger scope of theinvention. Preferably, the driving force may be directly applied by atool external to the electrical box, for example a screwdriver orhammer. Recesses 16 aa and 16 ab may include a substantially cylindricalportion, not shown, for guiding the fastener at a desired angle relativeto the bracket. In this example, recesses 16 aa and 16 ab provide seatsfor screws, which recesses are not threaded to provide free movement sothat bracket 11 a may be brought tightly into a supportive position. Abend 18 a is provided near end 14 a to orient that end perpendicular tothe electrical box sidewall providing for transverse motion by whichbracket 11 a may be brought more snugly into a supportive positionduring installation of the bracket.

The bracket 11 a of FIG. 1 may be fashioned utilizing ordinarysheet-metal die-processing procedures to make the various bends and andshapes of the bracket, as well as other reinforcing brackets. Preferredmaterials for reinforcing brackets, such as 11 a, include zinc-platedmild steel, due to that material's strength, durability, widespreadavailability and applicable manufacturing facilities. Other metals maybe used, such as aluminum, brass or “pot” metals, keeping in mind thatdifferent thicknesses may be required to achieve necessary strength andbracing characteristics. Processes other than die processes may be usedas desired, for example extrusion processes, particularly where abracket is to be made from aluminum or its alloys.

Shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C (herein after FIG. 2) is a four inchplastic electrical box 20 a with bracket 11 a installed; FIG. 2A showinga perspective view through the electrical box opening, FIG. 2B showing abottom view, and FIG. 2C showing a sectional view through axis 1.Electrical box 20 a includes an aperture through which access ispermitted to manipulate wires inserted into the electrical box and tomake connections thereto. Electrical box 20 a includes flanges 22 a forholding nails 23 in a relative position whereby nails 23 may be driveninto a support member to secure the box 20 a into position. When bracket11 a is in installed position, top mating interface 12 a (not shown)rests against the electrical box top inside surface 26 a, while sideinterface 14 aa resting against a flat portion 21 a of electrical boxsidewall. Screws 24 are driven through bracket 11 a and sidewall 21 ainto the structural member to secure the bracket 11 a into installedposition.

Bracket 11 a is designed to reinforce two particular box types. FIGS.3A, 3B and 3C (herein after FIG. 3) shows a three inch plasticelectrical box 20 b with bracket 11 a intalled therein, with FIG. 3Ashowing a perspective view through the electrical box opening; FIG. 3Bshowing a view looking at the bottom, and FIG. 3C showing a sectionalview through axis 3. Electrical box 20 b also includes flanges 22 b forfastening the box 20 b to a structural member by way of nails 23. Forthis box, the installation position of bracket 11 a also brings topmating surface 12 a (not shown) against electrical box top insidesurface 26 b. This electrical box 20 b includes a boss 25 b forinsertion of a mounting screw, whereby a fixture may be attached toelectrical box 20 b. Bracket 11 a l rests against boss 20 b at the sideinterfaces 14 ab and optionally 1 3 ab (not shown). Screws 24 arelikewise driven through bracket 11 a and sidewall 21 b into thestructural member to secure the bracket 11 a into installed position.

The design of bracket 11 a permits use in metallic electrical boxes aswell. In FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C a bracket 11 a is shown installed into a 3inch metal-type electrical box 20 c, with FIG. 4A showing a view fromthe box bottom, FIG. 4B showing a sectional view through axis 2, andFIG. 4C showing a perspective view. This electrical box 20 c includesalignment wings 22 c with holes pre-formed to permit fastening to astructural member with nails, screws, or other fasteners. As in theplastic boxes, bracket 11 a mates top mating surface 12 a against thetop of the electrical box 26 c, and also mates side interface 14 aaagainst electrical box sidewall 21 c. To secure, screws 24 are driventhrough bracket 11 a and sidewall 21 c into the structural member,although pre-drilling of holes through sidewall 21 c may be necessary ifholes are not formed therein prior to installation.

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C further illustrates the installation of two bracketsof the type shown in FIG. 1 using two electrical box types; FIG. 5Ashowing a view looking up through the bottom of the electrical boxes andat the ceiling, FIG. 5B showing a sectional view about the axis labeled4, and FIG. 5C showing an inverted perspective view (turned upside downfor ease of viewing). Ordinary and modern construction utilizes woodstructural members, of which one member 30 is shown. Member 30 might bethe lower portion of a truss, a joist, or other structural member uponwhich a ceiling is to be fashioned. Ordinary construction utilizesdrywall 31 fastened by nails or screws to structural members, one screw32 being shown. Also shown are a four inch plastic electrical box 26 aof the type of FIG. 2 and one three inch plastic electrical box 26 b ofthe type of FIG. 3. Both boxes 26 a and 26 b are normally installedprior to drywall application to structural member 30 through flanges,one 22 b being shown, and nails 23. Drywall 31 is applied afterward, andholes cut therein to provide access to the interior of the electricalboxes. After drywall 31 is installed, access to structural member 30 maybe restricted, particularly if there is little or no access spacesurrounding structural member 30. In other situations access may beinconvenient, for example where structural member 30 is the lower partof a truss accessible through an attic or other space. A bracket 11 amay be installed without direct access to structural member 30 throughthe interior of the box. The bracket 11 a is inserted into the box andplaced in proper mounting position, next to the electrical box sidewalladjacent to the structural member. Screws 24, or other fasteners, arethen driven through the bracket 11 a, the electrical box sidewall 21 aor 21 b and into the structural member 30. FIG. 5B includes a cutout 33area to show screw 24 clearly.

An electrical box may optionally have a reinforcing bracket built in.FIGS. 6A-D (herein after FIG. 6) show conceptually how this might bedone in a metal-type box. Referring to FIG. 6A, an electrical box 40 ais made in an intermediate stage, the box having a top 45, sides, and anunbent flap 41. Electrical box 40 a may be fashioned from usualprocesses for electrical box manufacture, including stamping, pressing,punching, spot welding and other techniques. In this example and priorto this stage, fastener features 42 have been stamped prior to the nextstep. Those fastener features might be, for example, screw guides, nailguides, or conical or countersunk structures for securing a screw head.In that step, flap 41 is bent as shown in FIG. 6B, to form a brace 43and a top interface portion 44 meeting with top 45. Now it is to beunderstood that this step may actually include several successive stepsin which bends are progressively made to flap 41. FIG. 6C also shows thecompleted configuration as seen through the bottom of the box. FIG. 6Dshows a sectional view through the axis labeled 5. Now although it isnot shown, sidewall 46 is preferably pre-punched or drilled with holesfor fasteners to pass through when inserted in 42, by which theinstaller may avoid drilling operations. This electrical box does notinclude wings or other extra-box support structures, but rather relieson the bracing structure formed by brace 43 and top interface portion 44to stabilize the attachment of the electrical box 40 b to a structuralmember. Preferably, at least three fastener features are included, asshown, in at least two axes to form a tri-point securement geometry.Electrical box 40 b may be considered to be an “old work” or “rework”type box, as it may be conveniently installed to a finished ceiling. Todo so, an installer would (1) find an attachable structural member, (2)cut a matching hole in the drywall, paneling, or other wall structure sothe electrical box may be positioned next to the structural member, (3)insert the box and (4) fasten the box to the structural member throughfastener features 42.

FIG. 7 shows an alternate bracing electrical box 50 having threeflanges. Those flanges include two horizontal flanges 51, which areincluded in conventional electrical boxes. An additional flange 52 isadded substantially outside the plane formed by flanges 51, in thisexample attached to and above the electrical box top 54. Nails 53 aredriven into a structural member during installation. Without the use offlange 52 and corresponding nail 53 a, a weighted box has a tendency torotate about an axis passing through the points where the nails 53 benter the structural member, where the most stress occurs in the nailmaterial. Flange 52 and nail 53 b, when used, prevent this rotation andkeep the box in a more stable position. Now this box is more useful fornew construction, as the task of driving the nails would be mostdifficult without tearing out a large section of wall necessary to swinga hammer or insert a power tool.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D (herein after FIG. 8) show another bracingelectrical box 60 a having conventional flanges 61 and an integratedbracket 62 a, FIG. 8A showing a perspective view of the box internalspace, FIG. 8B shows a view of the outside of the box looking at thesidewall in adjacency to the bracket, FIG. 8C shows a bottom view of thebox and FIG. 8D shows a sectional view in the axis marked 6. In thisexample, bracket 62 a is molded out of plastic and integral to thestructure of the electrical box. Ribbing 63 may be provided to resistthe force applied by fasteners 64 when attached, while minimizing theamount of plastic material needed. This particular electrical box isuseful for new installations where access to the structural member isnot restricted.

Shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B is an alternate electrical box 60 b showing twodifferent perspective views to the interior of the box. Electrical box60 b has the same integrated bracket 62 a and ribbing 63 as box 60 a ofFIG. 8, but omits flanges 61. This box may be installed in a similarmanner to the box 40 a of FIG. 6, and is considered to be an “old work”type box.

FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D and 10E (herein after FIG. 10) show anotherbracing electrical box 60 c having conventional flanges 61 and an insertmolded bracket 62 b, FIG. 10A showing a perspective view of the boxinternal space, FIG. 10B showing a view of the outside of the boxlooking at the sidewall in adjacency to the bracket, FIG,. 10C shows abottom view of the box, FIG. 10D showing a sectional view in the axismarked 7, and FIG. 10E showing the detail in the area marked 8. In thisexample, bracket 62 b is molded in place during the molding process.Bracket 62 b might be made of any stiff, strong and temperatureinsensitive material, for example steel, aluminum, brass, wood, carbonfiber, or other metal alloy or composite material, that withstands thetemperatures of the plastic molding process and provides the desiredreinforcement. Bracket 62 b is placed in appropriate position inside theelectrical box mold at the time the plastic part of the box isfabricated, the plastic generally encompassing or surrounding thebracket sufficiently to hold the bracket in place so that it does notbecome dislodged through ordinary use. Additional thicknesses of plasticmaterial may be fashioned at the points of stress, for example 66 wherebracket 62 b meets the sidewall of the box and more particularly 65where bracket meets the top of the box. Electrical box 60 c isconsidered to be a “new work” type box.

FIGS. 11A and 11B show an alternate electrical box 60d similar to thebox 60 c of FIG. 10, with FIGS. 11A and 11B showing two differentperspective views to the interior of the box. Electrical box 60 d hasthe same insert molded bracket 62 b as box 60 a of FIG. 10, but omitsflanges 61. This box may also be installed in a similar manner to thebox 40 a of FIG. 6, and is considered to be an “old work” type box. Nowthe above described boxes may include alignment features, such as tabs,to align the electrical box into proper position with respect to theceiling surface, particularly if the boxes are intended for old-workinstallations.

FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C show an alternate configuration of a reinforcingbracket 11 b, including FIGS. 12A and 12C showing perspective views andFIG. 12B showing a side view. This bracket 11 b includes a substantiallyflat surface 12 b for mating with the top of an electrical box. Matingsurfaces 13 b and 14 b are provided to rest against an electrical boxsidewall, that sidewall preferably being flat. Two legs 15 b extendbetween mating surfaces 13 b and 14 b connecting the bracket portionincluding mating surface 12 b with the bracket portions containingfastener features 16 b. A separation 19 is provided between the two legs15 b to permit mounting around an obstruction in the electrical box, forexample a screw boss. The compressive portion of this bracket 11 b issmall, and is mainly around the bend at 13 b. Because of this, thisbracket is preferably constructed of stiffer and/or stronger materialsthan that of 11 a to maintain a similar bracing capacity.

FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C show another alternate configuration of areinforcing bracket of the type of 11 a, FIGS. 13A and 13C showingperspective views and 13B a side view. Bracket 11 c includes a topmating interface 12 c, fastener features 16 c, and a strut portion 15 c.This bracket is intended to fit an electrical box having a substantialcylindrical sidewall, for example the 3 inch ceiling electrical boxshown in FIGS. 3A-C, and thus curved regions 13 ca and 14 ca areprovided to mate thereto. Side interface areas 13 cb and 14 cb may beused to mate to a fastener boss, as in the bracket of 11 a. Bends 17 cand 18 c are included to orient strut portion 15 c, top mating surface12 c, and side interface areas 13 ca, 13 cb, 14 ca and 14 cb inpositions that will mate well with the intended electrical boxes,provide reinforcement and orient fastener features in a direction thatassists the insertion of fasteners therein into a structural member.Bracket 11 c may be made using similar methods and materials as to thatof bracket 11 a.

Now it is preferred that reinforcement brackets, devices or features bedesigned to consume a minimal amount of the interior volume, so as tomaximize the number of wires and electrical connections that can be madewithin the electrical box.

A kit containing a reinforcement device and necessary fasteners may beadvantageously assembled for the convenience of the installer. Such akit might be included, for example, in the product packaging of anelectrical applicance, for example a ceiling fan or lighting fixture,providing added convenience to the installer of the product insituations where the use of the bracket is desirable. A fastener bitsuitable for insertion into a drill may also add to the convenience ofthe installer at a reasonable expense.

A preferred fastener type for use with reinforcement devices andbrackets is the pilotless screw, as commonly used in decking, fencingand drywall applications. That type of screw can be driven into woodsused for construction as well as many plastics with minimal splittingand/or stretching of the material. The use of that type of screwsimplifies the installation of the bracket by reducing the need fordrilling pilot holes, which under many circumstances will be awkwardgiven the overhead working position and the restrictions of availableaccess to the interior of the particular electrical box, and furtherrequire the use of long drill bits or adapters which may not be in theequipment inventory of typical installers. The use of screws is alsopreferred to mitigate the effects of thermal and humidity cycles, whichis a known problem with nails.

While reinforcing brackets, devices, and electrical boxes containingreinforcement and the use of those have been described and illustratedin conjunction with a number of specific configurations and methods,those skilled in the art will appreciate that variations andmodifications may be made without departing from the principles hereinillustrated, described, and claimed. The present invention, as definedby the appended claims, may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. Theconfigurations described herein are to be considered in all respects asonly illustrative, and not restrictive. All changes which come withinthe meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embracedwithin their scope.

1-19. (canceled)
 20. An electrical box comprising: a top; a sideconfigured to be positioned adjacent to a structural member; a rigidmember in proximity with said side providing resistance to a compressiveforce applied between said top and said side; a mating feature incommunication with said rigid member, said feature configured for matinga fastener providing an attachment point for at least one fastener; saidfeature set to position the fastener at an upward angle from thehorizontal when said box is mounted to an adjacent vertical structuralsupport surface at said side; and wherein said rigid member and saidmating feature are oriented in a position relative to said electricalbox such that a mated fastener may be installed through the accessaperture to secure said device to a structural member in structuraladjacency to the electrical box.
 21. An electrical box according toclaim 20, wherein said side has fashioned therein a hole for passage ofa fastener mated to said mating feature and in installed position in thestructural member.
 22. An electrical box according to claim 20, furthercomprising flanges exterior to the enclosure of said box, said flangesconfigured to receive fasteners installable to the structural member.23. An electrical box according to claim 22, wherein the fasteners ofsaid flanges are configured to enter the structural member in adifferent axis than the fastener of said mating feature, therebyproviding resistance to box rotation.
 24. An electrical box according toclaim 20, wherein said top, said side and said rigid member are formedof metal.
 25. An electrical box according to claim 20, wherein saidmating feature for a fastener is set to position a fastener at about 60degrees from the vertical when said box is mounted to a verticalstructural support surface.
 26. An electrical box according to claim 20,wherein said mating feature for a fastener is configured to position afastener such that a driving force may be directly applied thereto by atool external to the electrical box.
 27. An electrical box according toclaim 20, wherein a downward force on the electrical box is convertedpartially to a horizontal force vector in the direction of thestructural member.
 28. An electrical box according to claim 20, whereinsaid mating feature for a fastener may accept a pilotless screw, andfurther that said mating feature for a fastener is set at an angle thatpermits the turning of the screw with a straight-shafted screwdriverwithout angle changing adapters, the handle of the screwdriver beingoutside the confines of the electrical box.
 29. An electrical boxaccording to claim 20, wherein said rigid member includes a strut-likeportion between said top interface and said said interface.
 30. Anelectrical box comprising: a plastic enclosure including a top and aside configured to be positioned adjacent to a structural member; arigid member molded in said enclosure, said rigid member further beingin proximity with said side providing resistance to a compressive forceapplied between said top and said side; a mating feature incommunication with said rigid member, said feature configured for matinga fastener providing an attachment point for at least one fastener; andwherein said rigid member and said mating feature are oriented in aposition relative to said electrical box such that a mated fastener maybe installed through the access aperture to secure said device to astructural member in structural adjacency to the electrical box.
 31. Anelectrical box according to claim 30, further comprising ribbingproviding structural integrity to said rigid member against forcesapplied by the installation of a fastener into the structural memberthrough said mating feature.
 32. An electrical box according to claim30, further comprising flanges exterior to the enclosure of said box,said flanges configured to receive fasteners installable to thestructural member.
 33. An electrical box according to claim 32, whereinthe fasteners of said flanges are configured to enter the structuralmember in a different axis than the fastener of said mating feature,thereby providing resistance to box rotation.
 34. An electrical boxaccording to claim 30, wherein said mating feature for a fastener is setto position a fastener at about 60 degrees from the vertical when saidbox is mounted to a vertical structural support surface.
 35. Anelectrical box according to claim 30, wherein said mating feature for afastener is configured to position a fastener such that a driving forcemay be directly applied thereto by a tool external to the electricalbox.
 36. An electrical box according to claim 30, wherein a downwardforce on the electrical box is converted partially to a horizontal forcevector in the direction of the structural member.
 37. An electrical boxaccording to claim 30, wherein said mating feature for a fastener mayaccept a pilotless screw, and further that said mating feature for afastener is set at an angle that permits the turning of the screw with astraight-shafted screwdriver without angle changing adapters, the handleof the screwdriver being outside the confines of the electrical box. 38.An electrical box according to claim 30, wherein said rigid memberincludes a strut-like portion between said top interface and said saidinterface.
 39. An electrical box comprising: a top; a side configured tobe positioned adjacent to a structural member; a rigid member inproximity with said side providing resistance to a compressive forceapplied between said top and said side; a mating feature incommunication with said rigid member, said feature configured for matinga fastener providing an attachment point for at least one fastener; saidfeature set to position the fastener at an upward angle from thehorizontal when said box is mounted to an adjacent vertical structuralsupport surface at said side; and wherein said mating feature for afastener may accept a pilotless screw, and further that said matingfeature for a fastener is set at an angle that permits the turning ofthe screw with a straight-shafted screwdriver without angle changingadapters, the handle of the screwdriver being outside the confines ofthe electrical box.